Greg Raiten, a former lawyer and a co-founder at The Suite, a curated community-based platform for C-suite executives, joins Erik Torenberg to share the evolution of The Suite, from a side project that grew into a revenue-generating model through membership and sponsorships. They also discuss the process of building and scaling community-based businesses, effectiveness of paid memberships, and exploring future community expansion into other C-suite roles.

🔥 Apply to join over 400 Founders and Execs in the Turpentine Network: https://hmplogxqz0y.typeform.com/to/JCkphVqj

--RECOMMENDED PODCASTS:🎙️ This Won't Last - Eavesdrop on Keith Rabois, Kevin Ryan, Logan Bartlett, and Zach Weinberg's monthly backchannel. They unpack their hottest takes on the future of tech, business, venture, investing, and politics.Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1765665937Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2HwSNeVLL1MXy0RjFPyOSzYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThisWontLastpodcast-ECON 102 W/ NOAH SMITHKeeping econ entertaining. Noahpinion author Noah Smith and Erik Torenberg break down business news and politics every week.Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/econ-102-with-noah-smith-and-erik-torenberg/id1696419056Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6q7Gn5lP8TTtBPuV1NJSGs

—SPONSOR: METAVIEW

Metaview is the AI assistant for interviewing. Metaview completely removes the need for recruiters and hiring managers to take notes during interviews—because their AI is designed to take world-class interview notes for you. Team builders at companies like Brex, Hellofresh, and Quora say Metaview has changed the game—see the magic for yourself: https://www.metaview.ai/heretics

_LINKS:Explore the GC/legal community: https://www.lsuite.coExplore the CFO/finance community: https://www.fsuite.coCompany website: https://www.thesuite.comSubscribe to the Media Empires Newsletter: https://media-empires.beehiiv.com/

—X / TWITTER:

@eriktorenberg (Erik)@gregraiten (Greg)

—TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro(00:58) Greg's background and early career(03:17) Evolution of The Suite (05:51) Vision and expansion(11:32) Business model(13:45) Community engagement and events(17:46) Online membership experience(20:22) Sponsor: Metaview(21:29) Sponsorship and revenue model(22:55) Challenges of future of events(28:44) Expanding professional communities(34:16) Building a network(35:49) Pricing strategies for community memberships(42:08) Scaling and fundraising(45:05) Future of paid vs. free communities(47:37) Successful community models(50:22) Wrap

—This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.